A selfie is a type of self-portrait photograph, typically taken with a hand-held digital camera or camera phone. Selfies are often associated with social networking. They are often casual, are typically taken either with a camera held at arm's length or in a mirror, and typically include either only the photographer or the photographer and as many people as can be in focus.

Image: Selfie with Claire

1. Fill The Frame with Your Face
A selfie is about you, so don’t be afraid to zoom in close!

2. Change Your Angles
Sometimes eliminating a distraction is simply a matter of moving the camera to another position. To make the best use of perspective, work to change your camera-to-subject angle. Often by moving a little to the right or left, or getting higher or lower, you can completely abolish that distracting tree branch or telephone pole.

3. Chin up
Right before you are about to take the photo, stretch the muscles under your chin and suck in that excess skin – just long enough to snap a photo. Then, bring your head down over your shoulder and look at the camera.

5. Don’t Pose
For a selfie, it’s not about the pose, it’s about you. There’s a reason why you look great in the picture or you look great in real life. It's because someone has caught the essence of who you are, and a pose is not you.

6. Take a Series of Shots
If you keep your finger pressed on the camera icon and take a series of shots -- between 5 or 6 pictures -- you will always have THE perfect one.

7. Add Your Personal Touch
Try using filters. If you're posting on Instagram, you can use their filters or you can always use a separate app. I love Camera+.

This is an article written by a member of the SheKnows Community.
The SheKnows editorial team has not edited, vetted or endorsed the content of this post.
Want to share your own story?
Start Writing.
Want to join our amazing community and share your own story?
Sign up here.